Pedaling-goal setting apparatus, pedaling-goal setting method, pedaling-goal setting program, and recording medium having pedaling-goal setting program stored thereon

ABSTRACT

There are provided a pedaling-goal setting apparatus, a pedaling-goal setting method, a pedaling-goal setting program and a recording medium having the pedaling-goal setting program storing thereon. The pedal-goal setting apparatus includes a riding posture detection sensor  5  that detects the riding posture of the cyclist, a slope detection sensor  6  that detects the slope of the ground, and the running manner detection sensor  7  that detects the running manner of the cyclist. A cycle computer  1  connected to these sensors calculates the optimal target value based on signals transmitted from these sensors  5  to  7  and target data, and displays the optimal target value on a display part  2 , as a benchmark to correct pedaling.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of PCT International PatentApplication No. PCT/JP2010/069287, filed Oct. 29, 2010, which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a pedaling-goal setting apparatus thatdetects a goal of pedaling of a pedal-driven machine such as a bicycle,a pedaling-goal setting method, a program that allows a computer todetect a goal of pedaling and a recording medium having the programstored thereon.

2. Related Art

Conventionally, an apparatus has been known, which is equipped with abicycle to calculate information on the running of a bicycle andinformation on the exercise of the cyclist. This apparatus calculatespredetermined information based on a signal transmitted from each sensorprovided on the bicycle. To be more specific, a running conditiondetection apparatus has been known, which calculates and reports(displays) the aging variation of the pressure value for the forceacting on the pedals that is caused by the pedaling of the cyclist(hereinafter referred to as “pedal effort”), and the amount of exerciseof the cyclist, based on the pressure value detected by a pressuresensor provided on the pedals (see Patent Literature 1). Moreover, anautomatic transmission has been known, which calculates the slope of theroad and the running manner of the bicycle having a drivetrain system,based on the slope of the road detected by a slope sensor provided onthe bicycle and the number of the rotation of a wheel per unit timedetected by a speed sensor, in order to adjust the drivetrain system(see Patent Literature 2).

-   Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.    HEI7-96877-   Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.    HEI8-26170

By the way, in order to efficiently ride a bicycle, there is a demand tocorrect the pedaling of the cyclist (how to rotate the cranks bystepping on the pedals and how to pedal the bicycle).

The running condition detection apparatus disclosed in Patent Literature1 presents a benchmark that allows the cyclist to know the cyclist'spedaling by displaying a change in pressure values due to the pedaleffort in chronological order. However, the running condition detectionapparatus does not present a benchmark for the goal to correct thepedaling such as the relationship between the pedal effort at the timethe cyclist steps on a pedal and the direction and timing for the pedaleffort. Meanwhile, although the automatic transmission disclosed inPatent Literature 2 appropriately sets the drivetrain depending on therunning condition, it does not present a benchmark for the goal tocorrect the pedaling.

SUMMARY

The present invention was achieved in view of the above-describedproblem, and therefore it is an object of the present invention toprovide a pedaling state detection apparatus, a pedaling state detectionmethod, a pedaling state detection program and a recording medium havingthe pedaling state detection program stored thereon.

To solve the above-described problem, the present invention provides apedaling-goal setting apparatus according to the present invention thathas a crank rotatably connected to a machine body and a pedal connectedto the crank, and that is configured to set a goal of pedaling of amachine having the crank rotated by pedal effort that is force appliedto the pedal, the pedaling-goal setting apparatus comprising: a rotationangle detection part configured to detect a rotation angle of the crank;a parameter information acquiring part configured to acquirepredetermined parameters for the pedal effort; and an optimal targetvalue deriving part configured to derive an optimal target value forpedaling associated with the rotation angle of the crank detected by therotation angle detection part and the predetermined parameters acquiredby the parameter information acquiring part based on the rotation angleof the crank and the predetermined parameters. To solve theabove-described problem, the present invention provides a pedaling-goalsetting method according to the present invention that has a crankrotatably connected to a machine body and a pedal connected to thecrank, the crank being rotated by pedal effort that is force applied tothe pedal, the method comprising: detecting a rotation angle of thecrank; acquiring target data that are associated with predeterminedparameters for the pedal effort and that are to be the goal of pedaling;acquiring the predetermined parameters; deriving an optimal target valuefor pedaling associated with the detected rotation angle of the crankand the acquired predetermined parameters based on the rotation angle ofthe crank and the predetermined parameters; and allowing a reportingpart to report a benchmark to correct pedaling based on the derivedoptimal target value. To solve the above-described problem, the presentinvention provides a pedaling-goal setting program and a recordingmedium having the pedaling-goal setting program stored thereon accordingto the present invention allows the computer to perform: a rotationangle information acquiring function to acquire a rotation angle of thecrank; a target data acquiring function to acquire target data that areassociated with predetermined parameters for the pedal effort and thatare to be the goal of pedaling; a parameter information acquiringfunction to acquire the predetermined parameters; an optimal targetvalue deriving function to derive an optimal target value for pedalingassociated with the rotation angle of the crank and the predeterminedparameters based on the rotation angle of the crank and thepredetermined parameters; and a report control function to allow areporting part to report a benchmark to correct pedaling, based on thederived optimal target value.” These amendments are based on the amendedclaims described later.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a side view showing a bicycle equipped with a pedaling-goalsetting apparatus;

FIG. 1B is a front view showing the bicycle equipped with thepedaling-goal setting apparatus;

FIG. 2 shows how a rotation-direction-component detection sensor and aradial-direction-component-detection sensor shown in FIG. 1 are mounted;

FIG. 3A shows a rotation-direction-strain sensor unit attached to acrankshaft;

FIG. 3B shows a radiation direction strain sensor unit attached to thecrankshaft;

FIG. 4A is a front view and a side view showing a cyclist in a sittingposture;

FIG. 4B is a front view and a side view showing a cyclist in a dancingposture;

FIG. 5 is an external view showing a cycle computer as the pedaling-goalsetting apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the electrical system of thepedaling-goal setting apparatus;

FIG. 7 is a partial enlargement view of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the control system of thepedaling-goal setting apparatus;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing processing to set a goal of pedaling bythe pedaling-goal setting apparatus;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing to determine a runningcondition;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing processing to derive an optimal targetvalue;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processing to create a drawing;

FIG. 13A is a table showing the configuration of a storage area for thedata on representative values in a RAM;

FIG. 13B is a table showing the configuration of a storage area for thedata on the result of the determination of running conditions in theRAM;

FIG. 13C is a table showing the configuration of a storage area for thedata on optimal target values in the RAM;

FIG. 14A shows an exemplary target data table;

FIG. 14B shows an exemplary running condition determination table;

FIG. 14 c shows an exemplary target data selection table;

FIG. 15A shows exemplary target data;

FIG. 15B shows a process of calculating an optimal target value 1;

FIG. 16 is an exemplary graph of the calculated optimal target value 1and an optimal target value 2; and

FIG. 17A shows an exemplary crank rotation angle object;

FIG. 17B shows an exemplary torque value object;

FIG. 17C shows an exemplary optimal target value object;

FIG. 17D shows an exemplary actual measured value object; and

FIG. 17E shows an exemplary pedaling object.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Embodiment 1

Now, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detailwith reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1A is a side view showing a bicycle B equipped with a pedaling-goalsetting apparatus 100 according to the present invention. FIG. 1B is afront view showing the bicycle B equipped with the pedaling-goal settingapparatus 100. The bicycle B includes: a flame B1 of the bicycle body;two wheels B2 on the front and back of the bicycle B (front wheel B21and rear wheel B22) that movably support the frame B1; a drivemechanism. B3 that transmits driving power to drive the bicycle Bforward, to the rear wheel B22; a handle B4 operated by the cyclist; anda saddle B5 on which the cyclist sits.

The drive mechanism B3 includes: a crank B31 having an axis of rotation(crankshaft) at its one end that is rotatably pivoted with respect tothe frame B1; a pedal B32 which is rotatably supported at the other endof the crank B31 and is subjected to force from the cyclist; and a chainB33 that transmits the force acting on the pedal B32 (hereinafterreferred to as “pedal effort”), to the rear wheel B22 via the crank B31by the connection with a sprocket (not shown) provided to rotatetogether with the crank B31 with respect to the same axis of rotation,which is the crankshaft at the one end of the crank B31, and by theconnection with a rear sprocket (not shown) provided to rotate togetherwith the rear wheel B22 with respect to the same axis of rotation, whichis the axis of rotation of the rear wheel 22.

The crank B31 includes a left crankshaft B311 provided in the left sideof the bicycle B (the left foot side of the cyclist) and a rightcrankshaft B312 provided in the right side of the bicycle B (the rightfoot side of the cyclist) when the bicycle B is viewed from the front.These right and left crankshafts B311 and B312 are fixed at thepositions symmetrically with respect to the crankshaft. Meanwhile, thepedal B32 includes a left pedal B321 provided in the left side of thebicycle B and a right pedal B322 provided in the right side of thebicycle B when the bicycle B is viewed from the front. The left pedalB321 is rotatably supported by a left pedal shaft (not shown) attachedto one end of the left crankshaft B311. Meanwhile, the right pedal B322is rotatably supported by a right pedal shaft (not shown) attached toone end of the right crankshaft B312.

Here, the left crankshaft B11 and the right crankshaft B312 have thesame shape, and the left pedal B321 and the right pedal B322 have thesame shape. That is, the same structure constituted by a crankshaft anda pedal is provided in the right and left sides. Hereinafter, distanceL1 between the crankshaft and a pedal shaft (the right or left pedalshaft) is referred to as “crank length.”

The pedaling-goal setting apparatus 100 includes: a crack rotation angledetection sensor 2 that detects the rotation angle of the crank B31; arotation-direction-component detection sensor 3 that detects themagnitude of the component of the pedal effort in the direction in whichthe crank 30 rotates (hereinafter referred to as“rotation-direction-component of the pedal effort”); aradial-direction-component detection sensor 4 that detects the magnitudeof the component of the pedal effort in the radial direction of thecrankshaft (or the length direction of the crankshaft (hereinafterreferred to as “radial-direction-component of the pedal effort”); ariding posture detection sensor 5 that detects the riding posture of thecyclist; a slope detection sensor 6 7 that detects the slope of theground; a running manner detection sensor that detects the runningmanner of the bicycle B; a cycle computer 1 that displays the actualmeasured value and the optimal target value of a torque, which aredescribed later, based on signals transmitted from the crank rotationangle sensor 2, the rotation-direction-component detection sensor 3, theradial-direction-component detection sensor 4, the riding posturedetection sensor 5, the slope detection sensor 6, and the running mannerdetection sensor 7.

Here, the crank rotation angle sensor 2, therotation-direction-component detection sensor 3, theradial-direction-component detection sensor 4, the riding posturedetection sensor 4, the slope detection sensor 6 and the running mannerdetection sensor 7 have transmitters (not shown), respectively, andtherefore can transmit detection signals to the cycle computer 1. Thatis, the cycle computer 1 is connected to these sensors 2 to 7 by radio.

The crank rotation angle detection sensor 2 is formed as an opticalrotation detection sensor including a light-emitting part and alight-receiving part, which is provided, for example, in the vicinity ofthe periphery of the crack gear. The crank rotation angle detectionsensor 2 counts the number of gear teeth passing between thelight-emitting part and the light-receiving part, and calculates theratio between the count value and the number of gear teeth to detect therotation angle of the crank. Here, the rotation angle detection sensor 2is not limited to this, but existing sensors such as a potentiometer andso forth are applicable. This sensor 2 transmits a rotation angledetection signal according to the rotation angle of the crank, to thecycle computer 1.

Here, with the present embodiment, the rotation angle of the crank isrepresented with respect to the left crankshaft B311. That is, when theleft crankshaft B311B is positioned at twelve o'clock (the front end isturned up), the rotation angle of the crank is “0 degree.” When the leftcrankshaft B311 is positioned at three o'clock (the front end facesforward), the crank angle detection sensor 2 indicates that the rotationangle of the crank is “90 degrees.” Moreover, when the left crankshaftB311 is positioned at nine o'clock (the front end faces backward), thecrank angle detection sensor 2 indicates that the rotation angle of thecrank is “270 degrees.” Then, the range of the rotation angle (θ) of thecrank, which is detected by the crank angle detection sensor 2 is equalto or more than 0 degree and less than 360 degrees (0≦θ<360 degrees).The direction in which the left crankshaft 311 rotates from twelveo'clock in clockwise direction is defined as “+direction.”

The rotation-direction-component detection sensor 3 includes: a sensorunit 3 a constituted by two strain sensors (hereinafter referred to as“rotation-direction-strain sensor unit 3 a”); arotation-direction-strain detection circuit 3 b connected to therespective terminals of the strain sensors of therotation-direction-strain sensor unit 3 a; and therotation-direction-component control part 3 c that comprehensivelycontrols the sensor 3 (see FIG. 7). As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, therotation-direction-component detection sensor 3 is attached to the frontface of the crankshaft B31, which faces the traveling direction when thecrankshafts B311 and B312 are positioned at six o'clock. Therotation-direction-component detection sensor 3 is constituted by a leftrotation-direction-component detection sensor 31 attached to the leftcrankshaft B311 and a right rotation-direction-component detectionsensor 32 attached to the right crankshaft B312.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the strain sensors of the rotation-direction-strainsensor unit 3 a are attached to the front face of the crankshaft B311such that the strain sensors are orthogonal to one another. The sameapplies to the crankshaft B312. The rotation-direction-strain detectioncircuit 3 b amplifies and adjusts the output of each strain sensor andtransmits information indicating a uniform amount of strain (hereinafterreferred to as “rotation-direction-strain information”) to the controlpart 3 c. The rotation-direction-component control part 3 c of each ofthe sensors 31 and 32 calculates magnitude Fx of the component of thepedal effort in the direction in which the crank rotates, according tothe following equation 1, based on the rotation-direction-straininformation transmitted from the rotation-direction-strain detectioncircuit 3 b, and transmits to the cycle computer 1 arotation-direction-component detection signal according to the magnitudeFx of the component of the pedal effort in the direction in which thecrank rotates.

F _(x) =mg(X−X _(z))/(X _(c) −X _(z))  Equation 1

Here, “m” represents mass; “g” represents acceleration of gravity; “X”represents the amount of strain detected by therotation-direction-strain detection circuit 3 b; “Xc” represents theamount of strain in the front face of the crank B31 when vertical force(mg (N)) is applied to the pedal B32 while the crank B31 is kepthorizontal; and “Xz” represents the amount of strain in the front faceof the crank B31 when no load is applied to the crankshaft B31. Here, Xcand Xz are acquired by calibrating the sensor unit 3 a attached to thefront face of the crank B31 before use of the sensor 3.

The radial-direction-component detection sensor 4 includes: sensor unit4 a constituted by two strain sensors (hereinafter referred to as“radial-direction-strain sensor unit 4 a); a radial-direction-straindetection circuit 4 b connected to the respective terminals of thestrain sensors of the radial-direction-strain sensor unit 4 a; and aradial-direction-component control part 4 c that comprehensivelycontrols the sensor 4 (see FIG. 7). As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, theradial-direction-component detection sensor 4 is attached to the outsideface of the crank B31. The radial-direction-component detection sensor 4is constituted by a left radial-direction-component detection sensor 41attached to the left crankshaft B311 and a rightradial-direction-component detection sensor 42 attached to the rightcrankshaft B312.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the strain sensors of the radial-direction-strainsensor unit 4 a are attached to the lateral surface of the crankshaftB311 such that the strain sensors are orthogonal to one another. Thesame applies to the crankshaft B312. The rotation-direction-straindetection circuit 3 b amplifies and adjusts the output of each strainsensor and transmits information indicating a uniform amount of strain(hereinafter referred to as “rotation-direction-strain information”) tothe control part 4 c. The radial-direction-component control part 4 c ofeach of the sensors 41 and 42 calculates magnitude Fy of the componentof the pedal effort in the direction in which the crank rotates,according to the following equation 2, based on theradial-direction-strain information transmitted from theradial-direction-strain detection circuit 4 b, and transmits to thecycle computer 1 a radial-direction-component detection signal accordingto the magnitude Fy of the component of the pedal effort in thedirection in which the crank rotates.

F _(y) =mg(Y−Y _(z))/(Y _(u) −Y _(z))  Equation 2

Here, “m” represents mass; “g” represents acceleration of gravity, “Y”represents the amount of strain detected by the radial-direction-straindetection circuit 4 b; “Yu” represents the amount of strain in thelateral surface of the crank B31 when vertical force (mg (N)) is appliedto the pedal B32 while the pedal B32 is located at the bottom deadcenter; and “Yz” represents the amount of strain in the lateral surfaceof the crank B31 when no load is applied to the crankshaft B31. Here, Yuand Yz are acquired by calibrating the sensor unit 4 a attached to thelateral surface of the crank B31 before use of the sensor 4.

The riding posture detection sensor 5 includes: a first distancemeasurement sensor 5A mounted on the handle B4; a second distancemeasurement sensor 5B mounted in the vicinity of the hole into which thehandle B4 of the frame B1 is inserted; and a reflector 5C mounted to thewaist of the cyclist. Here, the sensors 5A and 5B face the reflector 5Cmounted to the cyclist, and the reflector 5C faces the sensors 5A and5B. Then, the first distance measurement sensor 5A detects distance d1between the first distance measurement sensor 5A and the waist of thecyclist, and outputs a first riding posture detection signal accordingto the distance d1, to the cycle computer 1. Meanwhile, the seconddistance measurement sensor 5B detects distance d2 between the seconddistance measurement sensor 5B and the waist of the cyclist, and outputsa second riding posture detection signal according to the distance d1,to the cycle computer 1. Here, each of the distance measurement sensors5A and 5B has a pair of a light-emitting device and a light-receivingdevice that can perform wide-angle transmission and reception, andtherefore can detect the distance up to the waist of the cyclist even ifthe riding posture of the cyclist varies.

Then, the cycle computer 1 calculates distance L2 between the saddle B5and the waist of the cyclist, based on the posture detection signals,and compares between the calculated value of the distance L2 and apredetermined value. With the present embodiment, “sitting” and“dancing” are set as the types of the riding posture. Here, the sittingrepresents a state where the cyclist is pedaling, sitting on the saddleB5. Meanwhile, the dancing represents a state where the cyclist ispedaling, rising from the saddle B5.

The slope detection sensor 6 includes: a first atmosphere pressuresensor 6 a and a second atmosphere pressure sensor 6 b provided on theframe B1, which are spaced from one another and parallel to the ground;and a slope control part 6 c that is connected to the atmospherepressure sensors 6 a and 6 b and calculates the slope α of the ground,based on the values detected by the atmosphere pressure sensors 6 a and6 b. This sensor 6 transmits a slope detection signal according to theslope level to the cycle computer 1.

The running manner detection sensor 7 is formed as a cadence sensorincluding a magnet fixed to, for example, the left crankshaft B312 and amagnet detector mounted on the frame B1 at a predetermined position. Therunning manner detection sensor 7 detects the number of the rotation ofthe crank B31 per unit of time (one minute) by detecting the number oftimes n (rpm) the magnet passes through the front face of the magnetdetector. This sensor 7 transmits a running manner detection signalaccording to the number of the rotation of the crank B31 per unit oftime, to the cycle computer 1. As described later, the cycle computer 1determines the running manner of the cyclist based on a running mannersignal. To be more specific, the cycle computer 1 calculates power Pusing a predetermined equation described later, and compares between thecalculated value and a predetermined value to determine a runningmanner. With the present embodiment, “aggressive running” and “defensiverunning” are set as running manners. In the aggressive running, thecyclist is running by using up all cyclist's energy. Meanwhile, in thedefensive running, the cyclist is running, preserving the energy.

Next, the configuration of the cycle computer 1 will be explained withreference to FIG. 5, FIG. 6 and FIG. 8. FIG. 5 is an external viewshowing a cycle computer 1. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing theelectrical system of the pedaling-goal setting apparatus 100.

As shown in FIG. 5, the cycle computer 1 is mounted to the bicycle B viaan attaching member 8 that is removably attached to the handle B4 of thebicycle B. The cycle computer 1 includes: an input part 11 used to inputpredetermined information; a display part 12 used to displaypredetermined information; a control part (see FIG. 6) having anoperating circuit that performs predetermined processing associated withpedaling described later; and a housing 14 that accommodates these inputpart 11, display part 12 and control part 13.

The input part 11 includes: three buttons 11 a, 11 b and 11 c that arearranged side by side and protrude from the upper surface of the housing14 to allow the cyclist to push these buttons; and a power switch 11 dthat can be slid to switch between on and off of the power supply.

As shown in FIG. 6, the input part 11 has an input control circuit 11 ethat relays input signals by the operation of buttons 11 a to 11 c andthe power switch 11 d, to the control part 13, as control information.When each of the buttons 11 a to 11 c is pushed, the input controlcircuit 11 e converts the input signal into control informationcorresponding to the pushing operation, and transmits the information tothe control part 13. By this means, even if the number of the buttons 11a to 11 c is limited, it is possible to realize a plurality of kinds ofinput operations whose number is equal to or greater than the number ofbuttons, by combining the operations of these buttons. Therefore, thecyclist can perform input operations including input of uniqueinformation on the cyclist and the bicycle, input to start/stop ofmeasurement and so forth.

Here, with the present embodiment, the buttons 11 a to 11 c that can bepushed by the cyclist are employed, as a structure for inputtingpredetermined information. However, it is by no means limiting, but apointing device such as a ten-key keypad, a track ball and a joystickmay be employed.

The display part 12 includes: a liquid crystal panel 12 a used todisplay predetermined information such as the actual measured value of atorque (pedaling state) described later and an optimal target value(goal of pedaling); and a display control circuit 12 e that controls thedisplay of the liquid crystal panel 12 a according to the information tobe displayed. Here, another configuration is possible where the liquidcrystal panel 12 a may be a touch panel, and the input part 11 and thedisplay part 12 are integrally formed.

The control part 13 of the cycle computer 1 is constituted by a CPU 13a, a ROM 13 b, a RAM 13 c, a recording medium I/F 13 d, a sensor I/F 13e, a communication I/F 13 f and an oscillating circuit 13 g. These areconnected to each other via a bus 13 h.

The CPU 13 a controls the basic actions of the cycle computer 1, whichincludes the setting and the display of the optimal target values ofpredetermined parameters associated with pedaling, based on the programstored in the ROM 13 b in advance. The ROM 13 b previously storesprogram codes to perform the basic processing of the cycle computer 1,which is performed by the CPU 13 a. The RAM 13 c functions as a workingarea for data and so forth in arithmetic processing that is performedwhen the CPU 13 a performs the basic processing of the cycle computer 1.

The recording medium I/F 13 b is an interface for recording parametersof running conditions described later, on a recording medium such as amemory card and so forth. The sensor I/F 13 e captures various detectionsignals transmitted from the above-described crank rotation angledetection sensor 2, rotation-direction-component detection sensor 3,radial-direction-component detection sensor 4, riding posture detectionsensor 5, slope detection sensor 6 and running manner detection sensor7, and internally and externally outputs the signals based on a commandfrom the CPU 13 a. The communication I/F 13 f is an interface totransmit and receive data to/from an external processing device, forexample, a mobile terminal such as a cellular phone or a PC installed athome. The oscillating circuit 13 g has a crystal oscillator as a clockoscillator and outputs a pulse signal to the CPU 13 a at a predeterminedperiod. Here, the input part 11, the display part 12 and the controlpart 13 are connected to each other via the bus 13 g to transmit andreceive necessary information.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the control system of thepedaling-goal setting apparatus 100 according to the present embodimentof the invention. The pedaling-goal setting apparatus 100 includes aunique information acquiring part 51, a target data acquiring part S2, arunning condition information acquiring part S3, a running conditiondetermining part S4, an optimal target value deriving part S5, a drawingcreating part S6 and an information display part S7. Here, the runningcondition information acquiring part S3 includes acrank-rotation-angle-information acquiring part S31, a pedal effortrotation-direction-component information acquiring part S32, pedaleffect radial-direction-component information acquiring part S33, ariding posture information acquiring part S34, a slope informationacquiring part S35 and a running manner information acquiring part S36.

The unique information acquiring part S1 has a function to acquireinformation unique to the cyclist and the bicycle B that is not affectedby the running of the bicycle but affects the pedal effort (hereinafterreferred to as “unique information”). The unique information acquiringpart S1 is realized by, for example, the input part 11, and the controlpart 13 that displays input items on the display part 12 according tothe operations of the buttons 11 a to 11 c of the input part 11, andsaves data based on the control information outputted from the inputcontrol circuit 11 e, according to the operations of the buttons 11 a to11 c. With the present embodiment, the unique information acquiring partS1 stores at least data representing the maximum power (hereinafter“data on maximum power”), data representing the length of the crank(hereinafter “data on crank length”), data representing position X0 ofthe saddle B5 (hereinafter “data on saddle position”), data representingposition X1 of the first distance measurement sensor 5A (hereinafter“data on the position of the first distance measurement sensor”), anddata representing position X2 of the second distance measurement sensor5B (hereinafter “data on the position of the second distance measurementsensor”), in predetermined areas in the RAM 13 c, respectively. Here,the maximum power means the power of the cyclist when the cyclist runswith the full energy. In addition, with the present embodiment, data oneach position is presented by a coordinate constituted by x componentand y component, and the position X0 of the saddle B5 is set as “origin”(0, 0).

The target data acquiring part S32 loads a plurality of target datastored in the ROM 13 b into the storage area for the target data in theRAM 13 c. The target data means the torque value that is ideal andshould be the goal for one rotation of the crank B31. The target dataare preset and associated with predetermined parameters. With thepresent embodiment, the target data are associated with a plurality ofparameters, and each of a plurality of target data are set for acombination of the components of the predetermined parameters. To bemore specific, as shown in FIG. 14A, the riding posture(sitting/dancing) of the cyclist, the slopes of the ground(−10%/0%/+10%), the running manners of the cyclist (aggressiverunning/defensive running) and the maximum power (1000 W) of the cyclistconstitute the parameters of each of the target data.

As described above, the following components of the parameter (ridingposture of the cyclist) are set in associated with the target data:“sitting” state where the cyclist is pedaling, sitting on the saddle B5;and “dancing” state where the cyclist is pedaling, not sitting on thesaddle but standing on the pedal B2. Here, dancing tends to apply moreload (stepping force) to the pedal B32 than sitting.

Specific examples of the slope α of the ground associated with thetarget data are 0%, +10% and −10%. Here, the greater the slope α of theground, the greater the load (stepping force) applied to the pedal B32.

As described above, the following components of the parameter (runningmanner of the cyclist) are set in associated with the target data:“aggressive running” where the cyclist is running by using up allcyclist's energy; and “defensive running where the cyclist is running,preserving the energy. Here, the aggressive running tends to apply moreload (effort) to the pedal B32 than the defensive running. It is because“aggressive/defensive running” states are associated with the power ofthe bicycle, and the power of the bicycle B tends to increase in a statein which the cyclist is running by using up all cyclist' energy comparedto a state in which the cyclist is running, preserving the energy.

In this way, there are twelve patterns of combinations of the componentsof the parameters, which are constituted by two types of the ridingposture of the cyclist; three types of the slope of the ground; twotypes of the running manner of the cyclist; and one type of the maximumpower. Correspondingly, twelve types of the target data are set.

Moreover, the target data is associated with the crank rotation angle θ.That is, each of the target data corresponds to one rotation of thecrank B31, and is listed in a table in which the crank rotation anglesare associated with the ideal torque values (hereinafter referred to as“target data table”). To be more specific, the target data table liststhe torque value for θ=0 degree, the torque value for θ=30 degrees, . .. the torque value for θ=330 degrees.

The running condition information acquiring part S3 has a function toacquire information that may vary while the bicycle B runs (hereinafterreferred to as “running condition information”). The running informationis constituted by the pedal effort, the conditions of the cyclist andthe bicycle B that affect the pedal effort and the conditions of theexternal environment. The running condition information acquiring partS3 is realized by the crank rotation angle detection sensor 2, therotation-direction-component detection sensor 3, theradial-direction-component detection sensor 4, the riding posturedetection sensor 5, the slope detection sensor 6, the running mannerdetection sensor 7 and the control part 13 that saves data based on thesignals transmitted from these sensors 2 to 7.

The crank rotation angle acquiring part S31 is realized by the crankrotation angle detection sensor 2 and the control part 13, and has afunction to store the data on the crank rotation angle based on thesignal outputted from the crank rotation angle detection sensor 2, in apredetermined area of the RAM 13 c. The pedal effortrotation-direction-component information acquiring part S32 is realizedby the rotation-direction-component detection sensor 3 and the controlpart 13, and has a function to store the data on the rotation anglecomponent based on the signal outputted from therotation-direction-component detection sensor 3, in a predetermined areaof the RAM 13 c. The pedal effect radial-direction-component informationacquiring part S33 is realized by the radial-direction-componentdetection sensor 4 and the control part 13, and has a function to storethe data on the radial-direction-component based on the signal outputtedfrom the radial-direction-component detection sensor 4, in apredetermined area of the RAM 13 c.

The riding posture information acquiring part S34 is realized by theriding posture detection sensor 5 and the control part 13, and has afunction to store the data on the riding posture based in the signaloutputted from the riding posture detection sensor 5, in a predeterminedarea of the RAM 13 c. The slope information acquiring part S35 isrealized by the slope detection sensor 6 and the control part 13, andhas a function to store the data on the slope based on the signaloutputted from the slope detection sensor 6, in a predetermined area ofthe RAM 13 c. The running manner information acquiring part S36 isrealized by the running manner detection sensor 7 and the control part13, and has a function to store the data on the running manner based onthe signal outputted from the running manner detection sensor 7, in apredetermined area of the RAM 13 c.

The running condition determining part S4 is realized by the controlpart 13, and has functions to calculate the torque value (the magnitudeof the torque) associated with the crank rotation angle, based on thedata acquired by the crank-rotation-angle-information acquiring partS31, the rotation-direction-component information acquiring part S32,and the radial-direction-component information acquiring part S33; andstore the data on the calculated torque value in a torque value part ofthe storage area for the data on the representative values in the RAM 13c. Here, with the present embodiment, the torque value in each range ofcrank rotation angles, which is obtained by evenly dividing one rotationof the crank B31 by twelve. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13A, the torquevalue portion is divided into twelve portions, and one portioncorresponds to one range of crank rotation angles.

The running condition determining part S4 also has functions todetermine the riding posture of the cyclist, the slope of the ground andthe running manner of the cyclist while the crank B31 rotates 360degrees, based on the data acquired by the running posture informationacquiring part S34, the slope information acquiring part S35 and therunning manner information acquiring part S36; and sores the data on theresult of the determination of the riding posture, the data on theresult of the determination of the slope and the data on the result ofthe determination of the running manner, in the storage area for thedata on the result of the determination of the running conditions in theRAM 13 c. Here, the storage area for the data on the result of thedetermination of the running conditions is constituted by a ridingposture portion to store the data on the result of the determination ofthe riding posture; a slope portion to store the data on the result ofthe determination of the slope; and a running manner portion to storethe data on the result of the determination of the running manner.

Here, with the present embodiment, the determination of the ridingposture means to select dancing or sitting based on the riding posturedetection signal transmitted from the riding posture detection sensor 5.The dancing is selected when the distance L2 between the saddle B5 andthe waist is 35 cm or more, meanwhile the sitting is selected when thedistance L2 between the saddle B5 and the waist is less than 35 cm. Whenselecting the dancing, the running condition determining part S4 storesa dancing flag (02H) in the riding posture part of the storage area forthe data on the result of the determination of the running conditions.Meanwhile, when selecting the sitting, the running condition determiningpart S4 stores a sitting flag (01H) in the riding posture part of thestorage area for the data on the result of the determination of therunning conditions. Here, as the representative value of the distanceL2, the average value of the distances for one rotation of the crankB31, which is targeted for the determination.

The determination of the slope of the ground means to calculate therepresentative value of the slope α detected for one rotation of thecrank B31, which is targeted for the determination. Here, as therepresentative value of the slope α, the average of the slopes for onerotation of the crank B31, which is targeted for the determination.

The determination of the running manner means to select aggressiverunning or defensive running, based on the running manner detectionsignal transmitted from the running manner detection sensor 7. Theaggressive running is selected when the representative value of power Pdetected for one rotation of the crank B31, which is targeted for thedetermination, is a predetermined value or more. Meanwhile, thedefensive running is selected when the power P is less than thepredetermined value. When determining the aggressive running, therunning condition determining part S4 stores an aggressive flag (03H) inthe running manner part of the storage area for the result of thedetermination of the running manner. Meanwhile, when determining thedefensive running, the running manner determining part S4 stores adefensive flag (04H) in the storage area for the data on the runningmanner. Here, as the representative value of the power P, the average ofthe power P for one rotation of the crank B31, which is targeted for thedetermination.

The optimal target value deriving part S5 is realized by the controlpart 13, and has functions to calculate the ideal or optimal targetvalue for one rotation of the crank B31, based on the result of eachdetermination by the running condition determining part S4, and storethe data on the optimal target value in the storage area for the data onthe optimal target value in the RAM 13 c. The optimal target value meansthe ideal torque value corresponding to the combinations of the uniqueinformation and the running condition information. With the presentembodiment, the optimal target value deriving part S5 calculates theoptimal target value in association with the crank rotation angle, andstores the data on the optimal target value in the storage area for thedata on the optimal target value in the RAM 13 c.

The drawing creating part S6 is realized by the control part 13, and hasa function to create drawing data to be the basis for drawingsrepresenting the results of determination, in order to visually reportthe actual measured value of the torque values for each of the ranges ofthe crank rotation angles, which is calculated by the running conditiondetermining part S4, and the optimal target value 2 of the torque valuesfor each of the ranges of the crank rotation angles, which is calculatedby the optimal target value deriving part S5. To be more specific, thedrawing creating part S6 creates, as drawing data, data to be the basisfor a crank rotation angle object that represents one rotation(pedaling) of the crank B31, data to be the basis for a torque valueobject that represents a torque value, data to be the basis for anobject that represents an actually measured torque value, and data to bethe basis for the object represents the second optimal target torquevalue, and stores these data in a predetermined storage area of the RAM13 c. Moreover, the drawing creating part S6 creates data to be thebasis for a pedaling object obtained by overlaying these objects on eachother, and set the data in a transmission buffer realized by the RAM13C.

The information display part S7 is realized by the control part 13 andthe display part 12, and has a function to display the drawings on thedisplay part 2, based on the drawing data created by the drawingcreating part S6.

Next, a process/method of setting and displaying (reporting) a goal ofpedaling for the bicycle B which is running by the pedaling-goal settingapparatus 100, will be explained with reference to FIGS. 9 to 17. Here,the process/method of setting and displaying the goal of pedaling forthe left crankshaft B311 is the same as the process/method of settingand displaying the goal of pedaling for the left crankshaft B312.Therefore, with the pedaling-goal setting apparatus 100 according to thepresent embodiment, the process/method of setting and displaying thegoal of pedaling for the left crankshaft B311 (left foot) will beexplained as an example.

When the cycle computer 1 is supplied with power by the operation of thepower switch 11 d, system reset occurs in the CPU 13 a. Then, the CPU 13a starts processing to set a goal of pedaling shown in FIG. 9, based onthe pedaling-goal detection program stored in the ROM 13 b.

First, in step S1, information input processing is performed. Here, theCPU 13 a displays caution to prompt the cyclist to input uniqueinformation by using the buttons 11 a to 11 c, and waits until desiredinformation is inputted. Then, when the information including a firstdetection signal representing that the button 11 a is pushed; a seconddetection signal representing that the button lib is pushed; and a thirddetection signal representing that the button 11 c is pushed, isinputted from the input part 11, the CPU 13 a stores the data on theunique information in the storage area for the unique data in the RAM 13b, based on the inputted information. “Unique information” includes, forexample, the maximum power, the sex, the height, the weight, and theseated height of the cyclist, the type of the bicycle, the size and typeof the tires, the crank length L1, the position X0 of the saddle B5, theposition X1 of the first distance measurement sensor 5A, the position X2of the second distance measurement sensor 5B and so forth, and thesepieces of information are appropriately set.

Here, with the present embodiment, the maximum power, the position X0 ofthe saddle B5, the position X1 of the first distance measurement sensor5A, and the position X2 of the second distance measurement sensor 5B arenecessary information to display the optimal target value. Therefore, itis essential to input the maximum power, the position X0 of the saddleB5, the position X1 of the first distance measurement sensor 5A, and theposition X2 of the second distance measurement sensor 5B. Therefore, instep S1, the data on the maximum power, the data on the saddle position,the data on the position of the first distance measurement sensor andthe data on the position of the second distance measurement sensor arecertainly stored in the respective portions of the unique data storagearea in the RAM 13 c. Moreover, the crank length is necessaryinformation to display the torque value which is actually measured, andtherefore, it is essential to input the crank length. Therefore, thedata on the crank length is stored in the corresponding portion of theunique data storage area in the RAM 13 c.

In step S2, the target data stored in the ROM 13 b is stored in thetarget data storage area in the RAM 13 c. As described above, with thepresent embodiment, target data are represented by the table in twelvepatterns of the combinations of the parameters (see FIG. 14A). Here, thenumbers (No. 1 to No. 12) are assigned to the target data listed in thetable.

In step S3, the CPU 13 a determines whether or not to meet theconditions to measure the crank rotation angle θ, the magnitude Fx ofthe rotation-direction-component, the magnitude Fy of theradial-direction-component, the distances d1 and d2 for the ridingposture of the cyclist, the slope α of the ground, and the crankrotation angle n for the running manner of the cyclist (hereinafterreferred to as “measurement initiation conditions”), and therefore startmeasurement. With the present embodiment, it is essential to input themaximum power, the position X0 of the saddle B5, the position X1 of thefirst distance measurement sensor 5A, the position X2 of the seconddistance measurement sensor 5B, and the crank length, and therefore themeasurement initiation conditions include at least these items as input.For example, another configuration is possible where the maximum power,the position X0 of the saddle B5, the position X1 of the first distancemeasurement sensor 5A, the position X2 of the second distancemeasurement sensor 5B, and the crank length are inputted, and thencontrol information indicating the start of measurement is transmittedto allow the measurement initiation conditions to be met. In step S3,when determining that the measurement initiation conditions have notbeen met, the CPU 13 a repeats the step S3. On the other hand, whendetermining that the measurement initiation conditions are met, the CPU13 a moves the step to the step S4.

In step S4, the CPU 13 a stores the data on the running conditioninformation in the storage area for the data on the running conditioninformation in the RAM 13 c, based on the detection signals transmittedfrom the detection sensors 2 to 7. With the present embodiment, therunning condition information includes the crank rotation angle θ, themagnitude Fx of the rotation-direction-component, the magnitude Fy ofthe radial-direction-component, the riding posture of the cyclist (thedistances d1 and d2), the slope α, and the running manner of the cyclist(the crank rotation angle θ). Here, the data storage area for runningcondition information includes: a portion to store the data on the crankrotation angle; a portion to store the data on the magnitude Fx of therotation-direction-component; a portion to store the data on themagnitude Fy of the radial-direction-component; a portion to store thedata on the riding posture (distances d1 and d2); a portion to store thedada on the slope α; and a portion to store the data on the runningmanner (number of times of crank rotations n).

Here, there is a phase difference of 180 degrees between the leftcrankshaft B311 and the right crankshaft B312. Therefore, the rotationangle of the right crankshaft B312 is obtained by adding 180 degrees tothe crank rotation angle represented by the data on the crank rotationangle. In addition, the data on the rotation-direction-component, theradial-direction-component, the riding posture, the slope, and therunning manner are stored in association with the crank rotation angle.

The processing in the step S4 is performed, for example, every 10 ms,according to a pulse signal outputted from the oscillating circuit 13 g.Here, the data on the crank rotation angle, the data on therotation-direction-component, the data on theradial-direction-component, the data on the riding posture, the data onthe slope, and the data on the running manner, are sequentially stored.

In step S5, the CPU 13 a determines whether or not the crank B1 rotates360 degrees. For example, the CPU 13 a determines whether or not tocalculate the representative value for each of all the ranges of therotation angles every time the crank rotation angle represented by thedata acquired in the step S3 is over 345 degrees, as described later.When determining that the crank B31 has not rotated 360 degrees in thestep S3, the CPU 13 a moves the step to step S4. On the other hand, whendetermining that the crank B31 has rotated 360 degrees, the CPU 13 amoves the step to step S6.

In step S6, the CPU 13 a determines the running condition for onerotation of the crank B31, based on the running condition informationacquired in the step S5, and performs running condition determinationprocessing to store the data on the result of the determination of therunning conditions in the storage area for the data on the result of thedetermination of the running conditions in the RAM 13 c. This processingwill be described in detail later.

In step S7, the CPU 13 a performs processing to derive the optimaltorque target value for each of the ranges of the crank rotation angle,based on the result of the determination of the running conditionsacquired in step S6. This processing will be described in detail later.

In step S8, in order to display on the display part 12 the actuallymeasured torque value calculated in the step S6, and the optimal targetvalue calculated in the step S7, the CPU 13 a performs processing tocreate data to be the basis for the drawing that are displayed on thedisplay 12. This processing will be described in detail later.

In step S9, the CPU 13 a transmits the data to be the basis for thedrawing created in the step S8, to the display part 12, and performsprocessing to display (report) information on the pedaling state and soforth.

In step S10, the CPU 13 a determines whether to meet the measurementtermination condition is met, and therefore to terminate themeasurement. With the present embodiment, the measurement terminationcondition is established by receiving a signal indicating a buttonoperation to terminate the measurement. When determining that themeasurement termination condition has not been met in the step 10, theCPU 13 a moves the step to the step S4. On the other hand, whendetermining that the measurement termination condition has been met, theCPU 13 a terminates the main processing.

Next, processing to determine the running conditions will be explainedwith reference to FIG. 10. First, in step S61, the CPU 13 a calculatesthe representative torque value for each of the ranges of the crankrotation angle, and stores the data on the representative torque valuein a torque value portion of the storage area for the data on therepresentative values in the RAM 13 c. Although the representative valueis not limited, the average value is adopted as the representative valuewith the present embodiment. Also the method of calculating the averageof torque values is not limited. However, the average of the torquevalues is obtained by dividing the total sum of the torque values forthe range of the crank rotation angles by the number of times ofmeasurement for the range of the crank rotation angle with the presentembodiment.

The total sum of the torque values may be calculated by multiplying thetotal sum of the magnitudes F of the pedal effort for the crank rotationangle by the crank length represented by the data inputted in the stepS1. Alternatively, it may be calculated by totaling the value obtainedevery time by multiplying the magnitude F of the pedal effort for thecrank rotation angle by the crank length represented by the data on thecrank angle inputted in the step S1. Here, the pedal effort F for thecrank rotation angle is obtained by square root of sum of squares of themagnitude Fx of the rotation-direction-component and the magnitude Fy ofthe radial-direction-component for the crank rotation angle.

In step S62, the CPU 13 a calculates the running condition informationassociated with the parameters of the target data. In step S63, the CPU13 a determines the running condition (the components for eachparameter) for one rotation of the crank B31, based on the runningcondition information calculated in the step 62. In step S64, the CPU 13a stores the data on the result of the determination of the runningconditions for one rotation of the crank B31, in the storage area forthe data on the result of the determination of the running conditions.

In the step S62, the CPU 13 a calculates the respective averages of themagnitudes F of the pedal effect, the distances L2 between the saddle B5and the waist, the slopes α and the power P for one rotation of crankB31, as running condition information. Although the method ofcalculating each average is not limited, the average is calculated bydividing the total sum of the values for the range of the crank rotationangles by the number of times of measurement for the range of the crankrotation angles with the present embodiment. Here, the distance L2between the saddle B5 and the waist is obtained by calculating theposition X (x,y) of the waist by using the simultaneous equation formedby the following equations 3 and 4, and solving equation 5, based on thecalculated position. The power P is calculated by the following equation6.

(x−x ₁)²+(y−y ₁)²=(d ₁)²  Equation 3

(x−x ₂)²+(y−y ₂)²=(d ₂)²  Equation 4

L ₂=√{square root over (x ² +y ²)}  Equation 5

P=(F·L ₁ ·n·2π)/60  Equation 6

In the step S63, the CPU 13 a determines whether or not the average ofthe distance L2 for one rotation of the crank B31 (hereinafter referredto as “average distance between saddle and waist”) is equal to or morethan the determined value of the riding posture. Then, in the step S64,based on the running condition determination table shown in FIG. 14B,when the average distance between saddle and waist is equal to or morethan the determined value of the riding posture, the CPU 13 a storessitting flag “01H” in a riding posture portion of the storage area forthe data on the result of the determination of the running conditions.On the other hand, when the average distance between saddle and waist isshorter than the determined value of the riding posture, the CPU 13 astores dancing flag “02H” in the riding posture portion of the storagearea for the data on the result of the determination of the runningconditions. Here, although the determined value of the riding posture isnot limited, the value is set to “35 cm” with the present invention.

In addition, in the step S63, the CPU 13 a determines which of less than−10%; −10% or more and less than 0%; 0% or more and less than +10%; and+10% or more is the average of the slopes α (hereinafter referred to as“slope average”) for one rotation of the crank B31. Then, in the stepS64, based on the running condition determination table shown in FIG.14B, when the slope average is −10% or less, the CPU 13 a stores steepdownslope flag “05H” in a slope portion of the storage area for the dataon the result of the determination of the running conditions; when theslope average is −10% or more and less than 0%, the CPU 13 a storesgentle downslope flag “06H” in the slope portion; when the slope averageis 0% or more and less than +10%, the CPU 13 a stores gentle upslopeflag “07H” in the slope portion; and when the slope average is +10% ormore, the CPU 13 a stores steep upslope flag “08H” in the slope portion.

Moreover, in the step S63, the CPU 13 a determines whether or not theaverage of the power P of the bicycle B for one rotation of the crank31B (hereinafter referred to as “the average of the running manner”) isequal to or more than the determined value of the running manner. Then,in the step S64, based on the running condition determination tableshown in FIG. 14B, when the average of the running manner is equal to ormore than the determined value of the running manner, the CPU 13 astores aggressive flag “03H” indicating aggressive running in a runningmanner portion of the storage area for the data on the result of thedetermination of the running conditions. On the other hand, when theaverage of the running manner is less than the determined value of therunning manner, the CPU 13 a stores defensive flag “04H” in the runningmanner portion (see FIG. 13B). Here, although the determined value ofthe running manner is not limited, the value is set to “200(W)” with thepresent embodiment.

Next, processing to derive the optimal target value will be explainedwith reference to FIG. 11. First, in step S71, the CPU 13 a selects twotarget data tables based on the data on the result of the determinationof the running conditions stored in the step S64. To be more specific,the CPU 13 a collates the data on the result of the determination of therunning conditions, which reflects the running conditions for onerotation of the crank B31, with the target data selection table shown inFIG. 14C to select two target tables for deriving the optimal targetvalues.

The components of the parameters (the running conditions and the ridingposture) are common between the target data table and the runningcondition determination table. However, the slopes, −10%, 0% and −10%,which are listed in the target data, are not completely correspond tothe average slopes listed in the running condition determination table.To solve this problem, two data are selected from the target data table,which represent that the riding posture and the running manner are thesame between them, and that the slopes are close to the slope average ofthe slopes listed in the target data table.

For example, in a case in which the result of the determination of therunning conditions in the step S63 is (01H, 03H, 07H), that is, theriding posture is “sitting”, the running manner is “aggressive running”and the range of the slopes is 0% or more and less than +10%, when thisresult is compared with the target data selection table shown in FIG.14C, the data No. 2 and No. 3 are selected from the target data table(see FIG. 15).

In step S72, the CPU 13 a calculates an optimal target value (optimaltarget value 1) for the running conditions based on the two dataselected in the step S71, and stores the optimal target value 1 in thestorage area for the data on the optimal target value in the RAM 13 c.Here, as shown in FIG. 13C, the corresponding portion for the optimaltarget value 1 is divided into twelve portions, and the crank rotationangles are associated with respective portions. The data on the optimaltarget data 1 is stored in association with the crank rotation angle.

Although the method of deriving the optimal target value 1 is notlimited, the optimal target value 1 is calculated by performing linearinterpolation every crank rotation angle with the present embodiment.For example, when the average slope value calculated in the step S62 is+3%, the CPU 13 a calculates the optimal target value 1 based on thetorque value represented by the target data (No. 2) of the slope of 0%and the torque value represented by the target data (No. 3) of the slopeof +10% every crank rotation angle, by linear interpolation (see FIG.15B), and stores the data on the optimal target value 1 in the portionfor the optimal target value 1 in the storage area for the data on theoptimal target value in the RAM 13 c.

Here, when the average slope value calculated in the step S62 is +13%,the target data (No. 2) and the target data (No. 3) are selected, andlinear interpolation is performed as shown in FIG. 15B.

In step S73, the CPU 13 a derives an optimal target value (optimaltarget value 2) for the unique information based on the optimal targetvalue 1 calculated in the step S72, and stores the optimal target value2 in the storage area for the data on the optimal target value in theRAM 13 c. As shown in FIG. 13C, a portion for the optimal target value 2is divided into twelve portions, and the crank rotation angles areassociated with respective portions. The data on the optimal target data2 is stored in association with the crank rotation angle.

Although the method of deriving the target value for the uniqueinformation is not limited, with the present embodiment, the targetvalue for the unique information is obtained by multiplying the optimaltarget value 1 calculated every crank rotation angle by (the maximumpower inputted in the step S1/the maximum power associated with thetarget data) because the maximum power is associated with the targetdata and inputted in the step S1. For example, when the maximum powerassociated with the target data is 1000 W, and the maximum powerinputted in the step S1 is 600 W, the optimal target value 2 is obtainedby the optimal target value 1 calculated every crank rotation angle by(600/1000) as shown in FIG. 16.

Next, processing to create a drawing will be explained with reference toFIG. 12. First, in step S81, the CPU 13 a creates data to be the basisfor a crank rotation angle object (see FIG. 17A) representing therotational motion of the left crankshaft B311 (hereinafter referred toas “data on the crank rotation angle object”), and stores this object inthe storage area for the data on the crank rotation angle object. Asshown in FIG. 17A, the crank rotation angle object is formed by a θ axisas a right horizontal arrow. This crank rotation angle object isprovided with a scale at a predetermined interval (for example, every 30degrees), which indicates the crank rotation angle from which theactually measured torque value and the ideal value are derived.

In step S82, the CPU creates data to be the basis for a torque valueobject representing the torque value (hereinafter referred to as “dataon the torque value object”), and stores the data in the storage areafor the data on the torque value object in the RAM 13 c. This torquevalue object is formed of T axis, which is an up arrow.

In step S83, the CPU 13 a creates data to be the basis for an optimaltarget value object (see FIG. 17C) that represents optimal target torquevalue 2 for one rotation of the crank B31 (hereinafter referred to as“data on the optimal target value object”), and stores the data in thestorage area for the data on the optimal target value object. To be morespecific, referring to the portion for the optimal target value 2 in thestorage area for the data on the optimal target value in the RAM 13 c,the CPU 13 a creates data on the optimal target value object, which isrepresented by a smoothly curving line passing through each point of theoptimal target value 2. Here, each point of the optimal target value 2is associated with the crank rotation angle (θ, T: crank rotation angle,optimal target value 2).

In step S84, the CPU 13 a creates data to be the basis for an actualmeasured value object (see FIG. 17D) that represents the actuallymeasured torque value for one rotation of the crank B31 (hereinafterreferred to as “data on the actual measured value object), and storesthe data in the storage area for the data on the actual measured valueobject in the RAM 13 c. To be more specific, referring to the portionfor the torque value of the storage area for the data on therepresentative values in the RAM 13 c, the CPU 13 a creates data on theactual measured value object, which is a bar graph representing theaverage torque value for each range of the torque rotation angles.

In step S84, the CPU 13 a combines the objects created in the steps S81to S84, creates data to be the basis for a pedaling object (see FIG.17E) that represents the pedaling state and the pedaling target for onerotation of the crank B31 (hereinafter referred to as “data on thepedaling object”), and sets the data in the transmission buffer in theRAM 13 c. Here, in order to easily view and recognize the optimal targetvalue object and the actual measured value object even if they overlapone another, the depth of the optimal target value object is differentfrom that of the actual measured value object. With the presentembodiment, the depth of the optimal target value object is higher thanthat of the actual measured value object because the optimal targetvalue object is a curving line and the actual measured value object is abar graph.

As described above, the pedaling-goal setting apparatus 100 calculatesthe optimal target value 2 that is a real goal of pedaling, based on thetarget data associated with the parameters affecting the pedal effort,and displays the optimal target value 2 as a benchmark for correctingthe pedaling. Therefore, it is possible to correct the pedaling whilethe cyclist is riding the bicycle, and consequently achieve idealpedaling. Moreover, the target data are associated with the specificparameters such as the riding posture of the cyclist, the slope, therunning manner of the cyclist and so forth, which vary while the cyclistis riding the bicycle, that is, while the crank is rotating. Also,information on these specific parameters is acquired while the cyclistis riding the bicycle. As a result, it is possible to accuratelycalculate the optimal target value depending on the condition.Consequently, it is possible to achieve ideal pedaling. Moreover, evenif the specific parameter associated with the target data is differentfrom the real running condition, it is possible to calculate a real andoptimal target value based on the basic target value. Therefore, it ispossible to prevent an increase in an amount of data previously storedin the ROM 13 b and so forth.

In addition, by calculating the optimal target value 2 in associationwith the crank rotation angle and displaying the optimal target value 2in association with the crank rotation angle, it is possible morestrictly correct the pedaling. Moreover, by calculating the optimaltarget value for each crankshaft and displaying the value as a benchmark(pedaling-goal) for correcting the pedaling, it is possible to morestrictly correct the cyclist's pedaling. Moreover, by displaying theoptimal target value as a graph by using a display device, it ispossible to easily understand the goal of pedaling. Furthermore, bydisplaying both the optimal target value and the real torque value, itis possible to more strictly correct the pedaling.

The pedaling-goal setting apparatus 100 according to the presentinvention is constituted by the cycle computer 1, the crank rotationangle detection sensor 2, the rotation-direction-component detectionsensor 3, the radial-direction-component detection sensor 4, the ridingposture detection sensor 5, the slope detection sensor 6 and the runningmanner detection sensor 7. The parameter information acquiring partaccording to the present invention is realized by the unique informationacquiring part S1 and the running condition information acquiring partS3. The target data acquiring part according to the present invention isrealized by the target data acquiring part S2. The optimal target valuederiving part according to the present invention is realized by theoptimal target value deriving part S5. The basic target data accordingto the present invention is realized by the target data. The optimaltarget value and the benchmark for correcting the pedaling according tothe present invention are realized by the optimal target value 2. Theparameters according to the present invention include the maximum power,the posture, the slopes and the running manners. The specific parametersof the present invention include the postures, the slopes and therunning manners. The report control part according to the presentinvention is realized by the drawing creating part S6 and theinformation display part S7. The reporting part according to the presentinvention is realized by the display part 2. Thecrank-rotation-angle-information acquiring part according to the presentinvention is realized by the crank-rotation-angle-information acquiringpart S31.

Another Embodiment

With Embodiment 1, there are twelve patterns of target data are providedby the combinations of the components of the predetermined parameters.However, it is by no means limiting. For example, 500 W and 1000 W maybe set as the components of the parameter (the maximum power), andtherefore twenty-four types of target data are set. Moreover, the valueto determine each parameter is not limited to the above-describedembodiment. For example, the determined value of the running manner maybe 150 W. Moreover, the determined values of the riding posture mayinclude the first value, 30 cm and the second value, 40 cm. There may bethree types of the riding posture, which are dancing, sitting, and anintermediate stage of them, as a running condition. Here, withEmbodiment 1, a configuration has been explained where the ridingposture is determined based on the distance L2 between the saddle B5 andthe waist, and the running manner is determined based on the power P.However, it is by no means limiting.

Also, with Embodiment 1, a configuration has been explained where theinput of the maximum power by the cyclist allows the pedaling-goalsetting apparatus 100 to acquire the maximum power information. However,it is by no means limiting. For example, the maximum power may becalculated using parameters such as a cyclist level and a gear level. Tobe more specific, the maximum power is calculated by acquiring a cyclistlevel and a gear level by using a table in which cyclist levels and gearratios are associated with the maximum power, which is stored in theROM. 13 b. The cyclist levels (for example,beginner/intermediate/advanced levels) may be acquired by the input ofthe processing to input information in the step S1. The gear level maybe acquired by using a gear ratio detection sensor that can detect agear ratio, acquiring the data on the gear ratio in the processing toacquire the running condition information in the step S4 and referringto a table representing the relationship between the gear ratios and thegear levels. The pedal effort varies depending on the cyclist level andthe gear level and affects the power of the pedaling. Therefore, byreflecting the cyclist level and the gear level in the maximum power, asthe parameters of the maximum power, it is possible to more preciselydetect the goal of pedaling. As a result, the cyclist can correct thepedaling to ideal form.

Moreover, the data on the torque value or the data on the representativetorque value may be stored as previous data in a storage device such asRAM 13 c and a storage medium to calculate the maximum power based onthe previous data. In this way, by calculating the maximum power uniqueto the cyclist, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the optimaltarget value, and therefore more strictly correct the pedaling. Inaddition to this, there is a benefit for the cyclist to automate toacquire the maximum power, so that it is possible to improve theoperability of the pedaling-goal setting apparatus 100.

With Embodiment 1, the parameters of the target data and the optimaltarget value include the riding posture, the slope of the ground, therunning manner and the maximum power, it is by no means limiting. Theseparameters may be part of them, may be a combination of part of them andthe other parameters, or all parameters may be different from theabove-described parameters. The other parameters are not limited but maybe, for example, gear levels (1 to 12), wind directions (followingwind/opposing wind/crosswind), sex (male/female) or age(infant/youth/maturity/old stage) as long as they affect the load on thepedaling. Moreover, by using body shape (for example, weight, height andthe length of a leg) as parameters of the target data and the optimaltarget value, it is possible to reflect the difference in powertransmission due to the difference in geometry, and therefore detect theoptimal target value according to the body shape of the cyclist. By thismeans, the cyclist can correct the pedaling to ideal form.

Moreover, the method of determining the components of the parameters andthe equations for calculating the running condition informationassociated with the parameters are not limited to the methods withEmbodiment 1.

Moreover, with Embodiment 1, the target data is represented by the tablein which the torque values are associated with the crank rotationangles. However, it is by no means limiting, but the target data may beobtained by predetermined equations.

With Embodiment 1, the processing to determine the running condition inthe step S6 and the processing to derive the optimal target value in thestep S7 are performed on all the ranges of the crank rotation angles.However, the ranges may be limited to the ranges (from 210 degrees to330 degrees) of “drawing up portion” in which it is easy to apply thepedal effort, and the ranges (from 30 degrees to 150 degrees) of“pushing down portion” in which it is hard to apply the pedal effort.Moreover, any of “all the ranges of the crank rotation angles”, “drawingup portion”, and “pushing down portion” may be selected in theprocessing to input information in the step S1.

Moreover, with Embodiment 1, a configuration has been explained wherethe processing to determine the running condition in the step S6 to theprocessing to display information in the step S9 are performed every thecrank B31 rotates 360 degrees. However, another configuration ispossible where the processing in the steps 6 to 9 is performed for eachof a plurality of times of rotation of the crank B31 (for example, tentimes), or for each of a predetermined period of times (for example, at10 second intervals).

In addition, with Embodiment 1, the optimal target value for the uniqueinformation is calculated after the optimal target value for the runningcondition information. This order may be exchanged. In this case, theoptimal target value for the unique information is the optimal targetvalue 1, and the optimal target value for the running condition is theoptimal target value 2. However, with Embodiment 1, two target data areselected based on the slope α, and therefore it is preferable to firstcalculate the optimal target value for the running conditioninformation. The reason is that it is possible to prevent an increase inthe number of steps of the processing performed by the control part 13.

Moreover, with Embodiment 1, a configuration has been explained wherethe target data is acquired by loading the target data previously storedin the ROM 13 b. However, another configuration is possible where thetarget data is stored in a storage medium such as a SD card, which iscompatible with the pedaling-goal setting apparatus 100, and acquiredvia the storage medium I/F 13. Moreover, further another configurationis possible where the target data is previously stored in a server andso forth, and acquired via the communication I/F 13 by inputting theuser ID in the processing to input information in the step S1.

Moreover, with Embodiment 1, a configuration has been explained wherethe optimal target value 1 is derived by linear interpolation, and theoptimal target value 2 is derived by multiplying the optimal targetvalue 1 by (the maximum power inputted in the step S1/the optimal powerassociated with the target data). However, the method of driving theoptimal target values 1 and 2 is not limited to this. For example, theoptimal target value 1 may be obtained by setting the torque values inthe target data table every one degree of the crank rotation angle;selecting the crank rotation angle that is the most similar to thedetected crank rotation angle, among the set crank rotation angles; anddetermining torque value corresponding to the most similar crankrotation angle. Similarly, the optimal target value 2 is obtained bysetting the torque values in the target data table every 100 W in apredetermined range of the maximum power (e.g. 0 to 1000 W); selectingthe maximum power that is the most similar to the input maximum power,among the set maximum power; and determining the torque valuecorresponding to the most similar maximum power. In this way, it ispossible to obtain the optimal target value only by using the targetdata table. By this means, it is possible to reduce the burden on thecontrol part 13. Moreover, when only the target data table is used, itis preferred to add the unique information to the running conditiondetermination table. By this means, it is possible to obtain the optimaltarget value at one time without separately calculate the optimal targetvalue 1 and the optimal target value 2. By this means, it is possible toprevent an increase in the number of steps of the processing and furtherreduce the burden on the control part 13.

The display manner of the graph representing the optimal target value 2and the graph representing the actual measured value is not limited tothe manner with Embodiment 1. For example, the same graph is used forboth of the optimal target value 2 and the actual measured value. Inthis case, it is possible to reduce the burden on the control part 13 inthe processing to create a drawing in the step S8 and the processing todisplay information in the step S9. Moreover, although with Embodiment1, the actual measured value and the optimal target value 2 areseparately displayed, these values may be combined to display mixedpedaling. For example, the crank rotation angle is displayed as acircle; the portion corresponding to the range of the crank rotationangles in which the actual measured value is lower than the optimaltarget value 2 by the value equal to or more than a predeterminedreference value is displayed in red (first color); the portioncorresponding to the range of the crank rotation angles in which theactual measured values is higher than the optimal target value 2 by thevalue equal to or more than the reference value is displayed in blue(second color); and the portion corresponding to the range in which thedifference between the actual measured value and the optimal targetvalue is lower than the reference value is displayed in yellow (thirdcolor). In this way, it is possible to indirectly report the goal ofpedaling. Moreover, in this way, by appropriately controlling an amountof information required to know the goal of pedaling, the cyclist canintuitively or sensuously know the goal of pedaling.

Moreover, with Embodiment 1, the goal of pedaling and state arepresented with respect to both of the right and left feet. However, theinformation with respect to either of them may be displayed. Forexample, in the processing to input information in the step S1, which ofthe pedaling targets and states is displayed may be selected. Inaddition, in the processing to input information in the step S1, thepresence or absence of the display of the actual measured value objectmay be selected. Moreover, a configuration is possible where a pluralityof display manners for the goal of pedaling and the pedaling state areprovided, and the display manner corresponding to the goal of pedalingand the pedaling state may be selected in the processing to inputinformation in the step S1.

In addition, with Embodiment 1, the cycle computer 1 determines therunning condition and the optimal target value, and displays the goal ofpedaling. However, it is by no means limiting, but the goal of pedalingmay be displayed by application software of a mobile terminal such as acellular phone. In this case, the mobile terminal may be set on thebicycle B or carried by the cyclist. In addition, the processing todetermine the running condition, the processing to derive the optimaltarget value, the processing to create a drawing and the processing todisplay information may be performed by a fixed terminal such as a PCset at home. In this case, the data required for the processing todetermine the running condition and the processing to derive the optimaltarget value are stored in a recording medium such as a memory card via,for example the storage medium I/F 13D of the cycle computer 1 andimported from the recording medium to the fixed terminal. Alternatively,the data may be transmitted and imported to the fixed terminal via thecommunication I/F of the cycle computer 1.

Here, when the processing to determine the running condition, theprocessing to derive the optimal target value, the processing to createa drawing and the processing to display information are performed in afixed terminal, a recording medium such as CD on which a program toperform the processing is stored may be read on the fixed terminal, orapplication having the program to perform the processing may bedownloaded from the server. Moreover, the processing to determine therunning condition, the processing to derive the optimal target value,the processing to create a drawing and the processing to displayinformation may be performed on the server via the mobile terminal orthe fixed terminal.

Moreover, the pedaling-goal setting apparatus according to the presentinvention is applicable, in addition to a bicycle running on the road,to a machine that has cranks connected to pedals and is driven byrotating the cranks, such as a stationary exercise bike in a gym, and aboat (e.g. swan boat) which can be driven forward by a person who ispedaling.

Furthermore, although with Embodiment 1, the reporting part is realizedby a liquid crystal display device, it is by no means limiting. Thereporting part may be realized by another display device, such as a CRT,a plasma display, an organic light emitting display (OLED) and so forth.Moreover, the reporting part may not be a display device, but may be anaudio device such as a speaker or an illuminating device such as alight.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   1. cycle computer-   2. crank rotation angle detection sensor-   3. rotation-direction-component detection sensor-   4. radial-direction-component detection sensor-   5. riding posture detection sensor-   5A. first distance measurement sensor-   5B. second distance measurement sensor-   5C. reflector-   6. slope detection sensor-   7. running condition detection sensor-   8. attaching member-   11. input part-   11 a. button-   11 b. button-   11 c. button-   11 d. power switch-   11 e. input control circuit-   12. display part-   12 a. liquid crystal panel-   12 e. display control circuit-   13. control part-   13 a. CPU-   13 b. ROM-   13 c. RAM-   13 d. recording medium I/F-   13 e. sensor I/F-   13 f. communication I/F-   13 g. oscillating circuit-   13 h. bus-   14. housing-   100. pedaling-goal setting apparatus-   B. bicycle-   B1. frame-   B2. wheel-   B21. front wheel-   B22. rear wheel-   B3. drive mechanism-   B31. crank-   B311. left crankshaft-   B312. right crankshaft-   B32. pedal-   B321. left pedal-   B322. right pedal-   B33. Chain-   B4. handle-   B5. saddle-   B6. spoke-   B7. chain stay-   B8. tire-   S1. unique information acquiring part-   S2. target data acquiring part-   S3. running condition information acquiring part-   S31. crank rotation angle information acquiring part-   S32. pedal effort rotation-direction-component information acquiring    part-   S33. pedal effect radial-direction-component information acquiring    part-   S34. riding posture information acquiring part-   S35. slope information acquiring part S36. running manner    information acquiring part-   S4. running condition determining part-   S5. optimal target value deriving part-   S6. drawing creating part-   S7. information display part

1-7. (canceled)
 8. A pedaling-goal setting apparatus that has a crankrotatably connected to a machine body and a pedal connected to thecrank, and that is configured to set a goal of pedaling of a machinehaving the crank rotated by pedal effort that is force applied to thepedal, the pedaling-goal setting apparatus comprising: a rotation angledetection part configured to detect a rotation angle of the crank; aparameter information acquiring part configured to acquire predeterminedparameters for the pedal effort; and an optimal target value derivingpart configured to derive an optimal target value for pedalingassociated with the rotation angle of the crank detected by the rotationangle detection part and the predetermined parameters acquired by theparameter information acquiring part based on the rotation angle of thecrank and the predetermined parameters.
 9. The pedaling-goal settingapparatus according to claim 8, wherein: the parameters include aspecific parameter that can vary while the crank rotates; and theparameter information acquiring part acquires information on thespecific parameter while the crank rotates.
 10. The pedaling-goalsetting apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a reportcontrol part configured to allow a reporting part to report a benchmarkto correct pedaling in association with the rotation angle of the crank,based on the optimal target value, wherein the optimal target valuederiving part derives the optimal target value in association with therotation angle of the crank.
 11. The pedaling-goal setting apparatusaccording to claim 9, further comprising a report control partconfigured to allow a reporting part to report a benchmark to correctpedaling in association with the rotation angle of the crank, based onthe optimal target value, wherein the optimal target value deriving partderives the optimal target value in association with the rotation angleof the crank.
 12. The pedaling-goal setting apparatus according to claim10, wherein: the reporting part includes a display device; and thereport control part allows the display device to display an axisrepresenting the rotation angle of the crank and also display theoptimal target value associated with the rotation angle of the crank, inassociation with the axis, as the benchmark to correct pedaling.
 13. Amethod of setting a goal of pedaling of a machine having a crankrotatably connected to a machine body and a pedal connected to thecrank, the crank being rotated by pedal effort that is force applied tothe pedal, the method comprising: detecting a rotation angle of thecrank; acquiring target data that are associated with predeterminedparameters for the pedal effort and that are to be the goal of pedaling;acquiring the predetermined parameters; deriving an optimal target valuefor pedaling associated with the detected rotation angle of the crankand the acquired predetermined parameters based on the rotation angle ofthe crank and the predetermined parameters; and allowing a reportingpart to report a benchmark to correct pedaling based on the derivedoptimal target value.
 14. A pedaling-goal setting program that allows acomputer to set a goal of pedaling of a machine having a crank rotatablyconnected to a machine body and a pedal connected to the crank, thecrank being rotated by pedal effort that is force applied to the pedal,the program allowing the computer to perform: a rotation angleinformation acquiring function to acquire a rotation angle of the crank;a target data acquiring function to acquire target data that areassociated with predetermined parameters for the pedal effort and thatare to be the goal of pedaling; a parameter information acquiringfunction to acquire the predetermined parameters; an optimal targetvalue deriving function to derive an optimal target value for pedalingassociated with the rotation angle of the crank and the predeterminedparameters based on the rotation angle of the crank and thepredetermined parameters; and a report control function to allow areporting part to report a benchmark to correct pedaling, based on thederived optimal target value.
 15. A non-transitory recording mediumhaving a pedaling-goal setting program stored thereon, the pedaling-goalsetting program allowing a computer to set a goal of pedaling of amachine having cranks rotatably connected to a machine body and pedalsconnected to the cranks, the cranks being rotated by pedal effort thatis force applied to the pedals, the program allowing the computer toperform: a rotation angle information acquiring function to acquire arotation angle of the crank; a target data acquiring function to acquiretarget data that are associated with predetermined parameters for thepedal effort and that are to be the goal of pedaling; a parameterinformation acquiring function to acquire the predetermined parameters;an optimal target value deriving function to derive an optimal targetvalue for pedaling associated with the rotation angle of the crank andthe predetermined parameters based on the rotation angle of the crankand the predetermined parameters; and a report control function to allowa reporting part to report a benchmark to correct pedaling, based on thederived optimal target value.
 16. The pedaling-goal setting apparatusaccording to claim 9, further comprising: a report control partconfigured to allow a reporting part to report a benchmark to correctpedaling in association with the rotation angle of the crank, based onthe optimal target value, wherein the optimal target value deriving partderives the optimal target value in association with the rotation angleof the crank.